Best Mountain Bikes Under 500 – Best Budget Bike

If you love mountain biking, then you know that your experience can only be memorable if you have a high-quality mountain bike with you. However, most mountain bikes are ridiculously expensive, leaving you wondering what you are supposed to do. Thankfully, the last few years have seen a shift in the attitudes of bike manufacturers, who have decided to go with bikes that are affordable to a majority of the population.

I personally own 3 bikes under 500, and I cannot fully express how happy I am with their performance. That is why below we will look at the best mountain bikes under 500 so that you can take part in your riding passion while on a budget.

Like I said above, there a range of affordable mountain bikes that deliver fantastic riding experiences. From my experience come up with the first class mountain bikes under 500, based on their performance, versatility, and quality of craftsmanship and components. Here they are:

When it comes to choosing a mountain bike, I do not mess around. I learned earlier on that the quality of your ride is determined by the quality of your bike, and that is why I make an extra effort to choose my mountain bikes.

One brand that never disappoints me is Diamondback, which goes the extra mile to ensure that their bikes perform at peak levels.The Sorrento Hard Tail mountain bike, in particular, has caught my attention, and it currently holds the position as my favorite mountain bike. So what makes this bike so special?

I was also pretty happy about the 7-speed Shimano derailleur that comes with the mountain bike. This gearing gives me access to several speeds that I can use when riding. Moreover, the shifters are smooth, so that I have no trouble switching between gears. This comes as a relief after suffering through sticky shifters on subpar mountain bikes.

It has also added linear pull brakes to the bike so that you can stop quickly and confidently on all terrain. You won’t find yourself riding into trees with this bike!

As you can see, the DBS Hard Tail has numerous features that make it stand out from other competitors in its class. Hopefully, you will love riding it as much as I do.

Pros

Cons

For over 40 years, Mongoose has released pioneering products to the biking market. These bikes have caught the attention of the masses and found their way into our homes and our hearts.

Chances are you own this type bike growing up, meaning that you are familiar with the quality that can be expected from this brand.

There are so many Mongoose options to choose from, however, my personal favorite is the Status 3.0 Dual-Suspension. This mountain bike is a showy gold and silver color, however; beneath all of that flash you have great performance.

What about speed? How does this bike fair? Well, I am happy to tell you that Mongoose has equipped the 26er with a 24-speed Shimano Drivetrain, which includes quick and smooth trigger shifters that are a joy to use. What this means for you is that you can breeze through different gears while you are on the move.

And when you need to stop, just use the disc brakes to deliver reliable stopping power.As you can see, this awesome MTB delivers great performance at an affordable price. This entry-level bike will be suitable for anyone interested in getting into the sport.

Pros

Reliable

Good tires and rims

Sturdy construction

Inexpensive

Smooth ride

Cons

When it comes to the world of mountain biking, you will often hear of brands like Mongoose, Diamondback, Nashbar, and Schwinn. However, there are other up and coming brands that give popular brands a run for their money. One of these brands is NEW IN BOX, which has redefined the performance that entry-level bikes have to offer.

This bike has all of the features of around 900 dollar bike, but it is priced at less than 330 dollar. This means that you can take advantage of stellar mountain bike features on a budget. So what exactly makes this bike so special? Why should you take a chance on it instead of going with a more known brand?

To begin with, the ﻿﻿FSX 1.0 mou﻿﻿ntain bike comes with an oversized aluminum frame, which is lightweight, sturdy, and durable. This frame makes handling a dream so that you do not struggle to maneuver the bike as you head outdoors.

There are so many entry-level mountain bikes on the market, however; the Gravity FSX stands head and shoulders above most of them. So if you are looking to take your mountain biking adventures to the next level, this is the bike for you.

Pros

Replaceable frame

Sturdy and durable

Simple assembly

Lightweight construction

Rust resistant

Cons

Sometimes you just want to head out with your schwin mountain bike and let it rip. The wind blowing across your face, the ground rushing beneath your wheels, and the sun warming up your body, is one of the most amazing feelings out there. But to do this you need a quality mountain bike that can handle all terrain you throw at it.

Cue in the High Timber, which is a men’s mountain bike designed with an agile Schwinn mountain frame and an efficient SR Suntour suspension fork. This frame and fork work hand in hand to smooth out the rough tracks below you so that you can have a smooth and comfortable ride. But it doesn’t stop there. The bike also comes with a 21-speed drivetrain for smooth and wide gearing choices. And when it’s time to stop, just use the alloy linear pull brakes to halt your movements.

This MTB is popular and highly rated men’s bike, which comes in a resilient and sleek package. This bike has been expertly crafted to make all your riding experiences memorable, making it is a perfect option for you.

Pros

Good looking and strong design

Inexpensive

26 inches large wheels

Quick and easy release saddle

Mostly assembled

Cons

So, you always long for a controlled and smooth ride? The Detour 26 inch from mongoose bike is the best choice you can make for your biking adventures. With a breeze front suspension fork and a suspension frame; it will give you all the comfort.

You can easily ride this 26-Inch bike on different terrains. Its Shimano gearing consisting of micro shifters makes biking easy and enjoyable. Its alloy quick release wheels make transportation easy.

It has a disc front brake and an alloy linear pull rear brake as well for all conditional stopping power. You don’t need to order a kickstand as it is already installed in this bike. Even if you’re not a biking enthusiast you should try this mountain bike with a full suspension.

Best of all, it is easy to assemble with or without the manual. Disc brake pads adjustment works best too though only small adjustments are required.

Pros

Made with aluminum frame

21 speed shimano gears that provide good control on speed

26 inches large wheels

Easy to assemble

Quick and easy released wheels

Cons

If you want to get a quality mountain bike without spending too much, the Mongoose Impasse will be a great purchase. You will never get a bike that combines style, comfort, and performance like this bike.

The bike's price, design, technology, components, and comfort ability is indicative of the manufacturer's predilection for amateur riders. The bike weighs around 45 pounds. You are also going to enjoy its aluminum suspension frame making it lighter.

The bike boasts of dual suspension. Starters also get to enjoy an extra suspension fork for smoother bumps and improved control. Mechanical disk brakes accompany both the front and rear wheels. This is probably the safest bike for you due to its abrupt stopping capabilities.

The bike comes with a front derailleur, a 21 speed rear Shimano derailleur and SRAM twist shifters. Shifting gears is that easy! The bike possesses double walled rims, receptive alloy pedals and probably the largest wheels in the world, at 29 inch!

Pros

Large wheels ideal for great momentum.

Disk brakes on both wheels offer good stopping power.

Has an adjustable saddle.

Smooth rides on normal trails

Cons

This is a must-have mountain bike for an on and off-road user. Men love outdoor activity and outdoor experience shouldn't be struggling with choices at all. the Schwinn Protocol 1.0 Mountain bike has got you covered.

The bike weighs just 51 pounds. It usually comes in red color, very attractive; you will always catch people's attention I tell you. The bike possesses double suspension aluminum frame. The bike thus is sturdier and feels lighter. The braking system of the bike is efficient. The Pro max front disc brake and rear alloy linear pull brake comes in handy here.

The bike wheels are 26 inches with double walled alloy rims. They should have been even larger considering the bike's abilities though. See the bigger picture buddy! The bike uses the SR Suntour front fork for its suspension. The smoothness of your ride is never compromised at all no matter the terrain.

The bikes rear derailleur is a 24 speed Shimano Altus. I cannot see this letting you down even at the steepest of hills and the toughest of ravines.

Pros

Beautifully designed

Seamless gear shifting

Easy to assemble (just about 30 minutes)

Sturdy and durable

Powerful and responsive brakes

Cons

Are you thinking of a mountain bike that carters for your off-road activities and still support various types of riders, perhaps your family? Don't panic! The Huffy men's torch 3.0 is designed precisely for people like you.

Aren't you tired of filling your house space with so many bikes anyway?

The bike is good for both armature and experienced riders. The bike has a hi-ten steel mountain frame to provide ample durability. The frame designed to fit a wide range of riders.

The bike comes with a 29-inch tire, very large indeed, for stability and control during rides. The bike weighs up to 300 pounds. You are going to get nothing but good gearing with a 21-speed twist shifter and Shimano 7-speed index derailleur!

One more reason to fall in love with the bike is that it is unisex. Kids below 12 years aren't allowed anywhere around this bike though. The bike possesses suspension folks to help in making your rides smoother.

Pros

Great momentum

Durable

Versatile

Good breaking

Rust-free steel frame

Cons

You will agree with me that getting an all-around mountain bike is very difficult to come by. Acquiring different mountain bikes for different activities is even more difficult! General mountain bike riders should, therefore, acquire a bike like the Roadmaster granite peak men's mountain bike.

The mountain bike steel frame geometry is on point makes riding easy. It possesses durable and sturdy steel frame and steel hand bears. The bike has a high-quality suspension fork that absorbs shock to smoothen your rides over terrains. The bike comes with a 26-inch wheel tire with alloy rims provide stability and control, and durability respectively.

The bike is integrated with a 3-piece mountain crank to give you a wide gear range. You will also get to enjoy an 18 speed rear Shimano rear derailleur. The bike has SRAM twist shifters that help to smoothly shift gears.

The bike has an effective braking system with the help of powerful linear pull brakes.

Pros

Steel frames make the bike study

Good suspension

Effective braking system

Versatile

Smooth ride

Cons

Expect Before Buying the Best Mountain Bikes Under 500

I know that you are not looking to waste your time and money on an inferior bike that will let you down. When you go shopping for your mountain bike you will be confronted with an equal amount of superior and inferior choices, which you will need to differentiate. Using the advice, I will provide below, you can narrow down your choices until you determine which bike will suit your demands best.

Suspension, Gears

When it comes to suspension, you will be confronted with two main options; hardtail and full-suspension. Hardtail bikes perform well on smooth roads and light trails while full suspension mountain bikes are at home on rough terrain.Once you have decided on your suspension, you need to take a close look at the gears. The total gears on your bike should be 24 or 27, and they should be complemented by shifters that are smooth and easy to use. This ensures that your ride is comfortable and unrestricted.

Brake type

There are two main types of brakes, mainly rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes are common on entry-level bikes as they are economical. However, these brakes are not as efficient as their disc brake counterparts, in addition to the fact that they damage the wheel rim.

Alternatively, we have disc brakes, which are quite rare on entry-level bikes under 500 . While they are more expensive and more difficult to maintain, their performance is better.

Frame type

Bikes under 500 either have a steel or aluminum frame. I would advise you to go with an aluminum frame, as it is lighter than steel in addition to being strong and durable.

Wheel Size concepts

There are 3 main wheel sizes available; 26-inches, 27.5-inches, and 29-inches. Go with 26-inch wheels if you want to navigate tight spaces or go with 29-inch wheels if you want to ride on trails with obstacles. Alternatively, you can opt for 27.5-inch wheels as they provide maximum versatility for riding.

Final Thought

The short guide provided above will help you determine your final mountain bike choice. As you can see, there are plenty of choices available to you while on a budget, meaning that you don’t have to break the bank just to indulge in your passion for riding. Good luck to you.

Robert Blackshire

This is Robert S. Blackshire, I am a cyclist and blogger. I start cycling when I was at the age of 18. I love to write about my cycling, bike review and parts review. Regularly writing about cycling for various magazines, newspapers and websites.

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